President Bola Tinubu has officially launched Nigeria's National Halal Economy Strategy, a landmark initiative designed to position the nation to capitalize on the vast $7.7 trillion global halal market. The strategy aims not only to diversify Nigeria's economy but also to significantly contribute to its Gross Domestic Product, with an estimated addition of $1.5 billion by 2027. The unveiling, conducted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President at the State House in Abuja, signals Nigeria's commitment to joining leading global economies in harnessing the immense potential of the halal sector.

During the launch, Vice-President Shettima emphasized the critical need for disciplined, inclusive, and measurable action to ensure the strategy effectively generates jobs and fosters shared prosperity nationwide. He highlighted the document as a "declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to convert opportunity into lasting economic value." The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment is set to chair the implementation of this crucial strategy.

The Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy outlines several clear and measurable ambitions targeting the year 2030. These include the expansion of halal-compliant food exports, the robust development of pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, the strategic positioning of Nigeria as a premier halal-friendly tourism destination, and the scalable mobilization of ethical finance. Cumulatively, these efforts are projected to unlock over $12 billion in economic value, simultaneously bolstering food security, deepening industrial capacity, and creating substantial opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all states.

Addressing potential misconceptions, Vice-President Shettima clarified that the global halal economy has evolved beyond narrow religious interpretations. He stressed that its definition is now primarily driven by trust, underpinned by systems that prioritize quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production. These foundational principles, he noted, resonate widely with consumers, investors, and trading partners globally who increasingly demand transparency and certainty in how products are manufactured, financed, and delivered. It is within this expansive and modern understanding that Nigeria is strategically positioning itself.

Shettima further pointed out that numerous advanced Western economies have already recognized and integrated the commercial and ethical appeal of the halal economy into their export and quality-assurance frameworks. He cited countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as prime examples of leading producers, certifiers, and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and financial products. This global trend, he asserted, confirms the simple truth that the halal economy is a market framework rooted in universal standards, safety, and consumer trust, transcending geographical or belief-based limitations.

The development of the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy is the result of meticulous study and reflection, inspired by President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to diversifying exports, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and fostering sustainable job creation across the federation. This collaborative effort was developed in partnership with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with vital technical backing from esteemed institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

Nigeria's dedication to building a globally competitive halal ecosystem was further solidified during President Tinubu's recent state visit to the Republic of Türkiye. A significant outcome of this visit was the signing of an agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure between Nigeria and Türkiye. This agreement is specifically designed to strengthen standards, accreditation, certification, and quality assurance systems, thereby enhancing the international acceptance of Nigerian halal products and services.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Chairperson of the National Halal Strategy Committee and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commented on the unveiling, describing the strategy as a testament to successful public-private collaboration involving extensive stakeholder engagement. She highlighted the private sector's leadership in ensuring a "whole-of-government and whole-of-country intervention," with the Office of the Vice-President coordinating various ministries, departments, and agencies, while her ministry played a pivotal role. Dr. Oduwole emphasized that the strategy strategically positions Nigeria among countries that export Halal-certified goods worldwide, with plans to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports to other African nations and beyond, based on voluntary participation.

Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Ladan, Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between his group and the Halal Product Development Company in developing the strategy. He also revealed that an export program is in progress with the Ministry of Trade and Investment, aiming to facilitate the entry of Nigerian companies into the Saudi Arabian market and other international markets. Ladan hailed the strategy as a landmark opportunity for Nigeria, promising enhanced market access and significant foreign direct investment.

Echoing international support, Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Carole Lebreton, Financial Counsellor at the French Embassy, affirmed the Halal Strategy's importance for Nigeria-France relations. The French government, she stated, is keen on exploring new avenues to build socio-economic bridges with Nigeria and stands ready to support Nigeria's export ambitions, particularly in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals sectors. The unveiling ceremony was attended by a distinguished Nigerian delegation, including Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council; Mr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI); and Temitola Adekunle Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, among others.

The strategy itself was developed by the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Its genesis lies in a bilateral cooperation agreement signed between Nigeria and HPDC in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum. This foundational collaboration aims to deepen Nigeria-Saudi Arabia economic relations, utilize HPDC's extensive global reach to attract investments, improve market access, and seamlessly integrate Nigeria into international halal value chains.